Taunton Town 3, Mangotsfield Utd 2.

TAUNTON Town are kings of the county after defeating higher division Mangotsfield Utd in the final of the Somerset Premier Cup at Weston-super-Mare's Woodspring Park on Tuesday night.

Ronnie Mowatt, Aaron Blakemore and Ryan Havard got the goals in what was a perfect end to a difficult season for the Peacocks.

Taunton, who lie near the foot of Southern League Division One (W), a level below Mangotsfield, never looked outclassed and thoroughly deserved their victory.

Town boss Gary Domone was a proud man at the final whistle and was keen to acknowledge the role of the fans, who were right behind their team for the 90 minutes.

"The supporters were magnificent," said Domone.

"The players all commented on what a lift the crowd gave them.

"They have been great in our away games this season, travelling a long way to support us, and this was our thank-you to them.

"I was also very proud of the players. We stuck to a game plan, were tight at the back and always looked like scoring a goal.

"I was so proud of them and couldn't single anyone out."

Taunton could not have had a better start to the game, going in front after just two minutes when Mowatt headed home Peter Monks' corner.

Mangotsfield levelled on 26 minutes when defender Gary Warren forced the ball home from close range after Town keeper Tim Pearse had made a point-blank save.

That was the extent of the first half action, but underdogs Taunton took control after the break and regained the lead on 53 minutes.

Blakemore, who has been a revelation since joining the club in December, was sent racing clear and rounded keeper Nick Yeo before stroking the ball home.

That was his 19th goal for Town.

Taunton continued to press and extended their lead with 20 minutes left. Blakemore returned the favour for Havard, releasing his strike partner who rounded the keeper and a defender before shooting home.

A fine individual effort from Chris Lane saw Mangotsfield reduce the deficit but Town held on to claim their second Premier Cup title in four years.

Taunton's victory was even more impressive as they were without three cup-tied players and on-loan Bristol Rovers defenders Ben Wiltshire and Matt Thorne who had been recalled by their club.

Taunton: T. Pearse, G. McAuley, P. Monks, G, Fisher (capt), S. Walford, S. Jones, A. Blakemore, R. Mowatt, R. Havard, C. Wright, C. Welch. Subs: L. Ghiglia, B. Tricker (for Mowatt 86mins), C. Kite, S. Ingram (for Welch 79).